Lookie-lookie who's back in the saddle again and for who. Kevin coaching the Arizona Wildcats and will take over permanently once Lute decides to retire. Hopefully he'll be more successful in NCAA than he was in the NBA. :(

"Kevin is our coach for now, and will be our coach in the future when Lute decides to retire," Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood said in a statement released on Tuesday morning. "It goes without saying, but let me say it again: the University of Arizona's appreciation for what Lute Olson has meant to our program is boundless."
Olson hired O'Neill this past May and it was with the intention of helping the Wildcats lackluster defense, as well as adding another veteran who was able to instill more discipline. O'Neill, who currently earns $375,000 on a two-year contract, worked for Olson from 1986-89.

"It's an unbelievable honor to follow Lute Olson," O'Neill said. "I'm thrilled to get the opportunity and will work to continue the superb tradition of Arizona basketball when Lute is done."

O'Neill, 50, took over as the interim coach prior to the start of the season when Olson stepped away for "personal issues" on Nov. 4. The 73-year-old coach is going through a divorce and recently decided that he would take the entire year off.

Good for Kevin. He was a bit erratic but i liked his fire and attention to defense. There's no denying we were a pretty good defensive team in his year despite not having defensive minded players...although i admit the pace played a big role. Good to hear.

Acie

12-19-2007 01:57 PM

O'Neill coaching style is definitely more suited to the college game. His defensive approach is overrated though. I hate "slowball".